Braves' P Hudson To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

Atlanta, GA (AHN) - Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson decided Saturday to undergo a Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. He is expected to be sidelined for at least 12 months.

The 33-year-old right-hand pitcher wanted to forgo surgery and did some light throwing from 70-80 feet Saturday. Hudson said he experienced the same ache he felt when he started in Florida on July 23.

On Monday, Hudson reportedly underwent an MRI examination and was later advised to undergo the surgical procedure by two orthopedists - Dr. James Andrews and Dr. Xavier Duralde. Dr. Andrews will perform the surgery late next week.

The 10-year-veteran is expected to sit it out for about 12 months and would likely rejoin the Braves' rotation in August of next season.

Hudson, who posted 11-7 with a 3.17 earned run average this year, is expected to earn $13 million in 2009, the final year of his contract. He has a $12 million mutual player-club option with a $1 million buyout for 2010.

Hudson is the latest addition to the list of Braves' pitchers placed in the injured list this season. John Smoltz and Peter Moylan earlier underwent the same procedure that he will undergo.

On the other hand, Tom Glavine and Manny Acosta are also out with various ailments.